Using AI to assess postoperative pain through facial expressions

Artificial Intelligence to Evaluate Postoperative Pain Based on Facial Expression Recognition and Analgesia Nociception Index

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital · NCT05477303

This study is testing whether an AI can help doctors understand how much pain patients feel after surgery by looking at their facial expressions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Bundang Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do)
Trial IDNCT05477303 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve postoperative pain management by utilizing artificial intelligence to evaluate patients' facial expressions. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model will be trained to link facial expressions with pain intensity scores, allowing for an automatic and objective assessment of pain levels. The study focuses on patients undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery, where traditional pain reporting may be challenging. By capturing images of patients' facial expressions, the AI model will predict pain scores to facilitate better analgesia management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 19-75 scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery with ASA class I-II.

Not a fit: Patients with communication difficulties or certain underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate pain assessments and improved pain management for postoperative patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in pain assessment is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in utilizing technology for objective pain evaluation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 19-75 years who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia
* American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I-II

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have difficulty in communicating and reporting pain
* Underlying diseases: liver, kidney, brain
* Patients with BMI greater than 30 and less than 18.5
* Alcohol or drug dependent patients
* Patients with severe or acute respiratory failure
* Opioid, NSAID allergy
* Patients who are scheduled to be admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery
* Patients who undergo cooperative surgery

Where this trial is running

Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Artificial Intelligence, Facial Expression, Analgesia, Pain, Postoperative

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.